Support Groups

As a reminder, all in-person gutsy groups and virtual villages will be on pause during July and August. This summer break gives our team time to plan new programs, initiatives, and events for the upcoming year, while also making space for summer vacations and family time! We encourage you to use this time to connect with fellow IBD Warriors outside of our regular meetings and continue supporting one another in meaningful ways. We will still hold our regularly-scheduled June meetings and we look forward to reconnecting with everyone again in the fall, refreshed and ready for an exciting new season!

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Our support groups provide a safe space for pediatric IBD patients, families, caregivers, and young adults to connect, share experiences, and build a community of strength. Whether in person or virtual, our groups offer encouragement, education, and meaningful relationships for those impacted by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Find the Right Support Group for You

📍Massachusetts Gutsy Group

A welcoming, activity-filled environment where pediatric IBD patients (ages 0-18) and their families can connect, share, and learn from one another. Meetings include resources, discussions, and outings to foster strong relationships and community support.

📅 Meets: Third Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM ET
📍 Cornerstone Church, Uxbridge, MA
📩 Facilitator: Lisa Fournier | Email Lisa

Register for a virtual support group this month!

💻 Family Virtual Village

For families who can’t attend in-person meetings, our virtual group offers a space to connect from anywhere. Share experiences, gain valuable insights, and find comfort in a community that understands the journey of pediatric IBD.

📅 Meets: Monthly via Zoom
🔗 Registration required

📩 Facilitator: Lisa Fournier| Email Lisa

💙  Caregivers Virtual Village

Designed for parents, guardians, and caregivers supporting a child with IBD, this group focuses on providing resources, advice, and a strong community of understanding individuals.

📅 Meets: Second Thursday of each month at 7 PM ET via Zoom
🔗 Registration required

📩 Facilitator: Lisa Fournier| Email Lisa

‍🎓 Young Adult Virtual Village (Ages 16-30)

A dedicated space for young adults with IBD to navigate college, careers, independent living, and transitioning to adult healthcare. This group provides guidance, encouragement, and a strong peer community.

📅 Meets: Third Thursday of each month at 8 PM ET via Zoom
🔗 Registration required

📩 Facilitator: Laura Castrigano | Email Laura Castrigano

Caring for a child with Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease (VEO-IBD) presents unique challenges. To provide dedicated support, IBD Connect is launching a new virtual support group specifically for caregivers of VEO-IBD patients. This new VEO-IBD Virtual Village will launch Fall of 2025. Stay tuned for more details!